(aka Ajuga 'Mini Crisp Red') This very cute, slow-growing ajuga forms tight rosettes of deep purple, crinkled, spinach-like leaves, eventually making a 3" tall x 1' wide patch in 3 years. Ajuga 'Metallica Crispa Purpurea' is great used in masses in a well-drained rockery or in a special sunny spot in the garden where, in late spring, the patches are topped with 6" stalks of tiny purple-blue flowers. Ajuga 'Metallica Crispa Purpurea' is one of a small handful of bugleweeds that thrive in our heat and humidity.